Chapter 48: Lucy Eating + Sanji Simping = Baratie Bankrupt (Long Chapter)
**Sunny's POV**
The afternoon sun blazed high over the East Blue, painting the sea in a dazzling mosaic of golden reflections that shimmered like a treasure hoard scattered across the waves. The Going Merry cut through the gentle swells with her usual grace, her polished wooden hull gleaming under the light, her sails snapping taut in the warm, salty breeze that carried the faint, tantalizing scents of distant kitchens—grilled meats, roasted herbs, fresh-baked bread, and a hint of something sweet, like caramelized fruit, teasing us from afar. I leaned against the railing at the bow, arms crossed, letting the wind ruffle my hair and tug at my loose shirt, the fabric fluttering like a flag of freedom. The rhythmic creak of the ship's timbers beneath my feet felt like a heartbeat, steady and alive, as if the Merry herself was humming contentedly, her spirit stirring stronger with each passing day. She was more than a vessel now—her wood pulsed with a nascent soul, responding to our laughter, our fights, our chaos. I patted the railing gently, murmuring under my breath, "Keep us steady, girl. We've got a big day ahead."
Behind me, the deck was a whirlwind of the usual madness—our crew's signature blend of bickering, laughter, and sheer absurdity that turned every quiet moment into a circus. Lucy was sprawled across the deck like a human starfish, her straw hat flopped over her eyes as she rolled back and forth, groaning dramatically enough to rival a stage actor. "Ughhhh, I'm *starving*! My stomach's gonna eat my spine! Sunny, why didn't you pack more snacks? This is *torture*!" Her voice cracked with exaggerated despair, her rubbery limbs flailing for effect, one hand clutching her belly as if it might cave in at any moment.
I glanced back, raising an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at my lips despite myself. "You ate half the pantry for lunch, Lucy. And breakfast. And that midnight raid last night where you *literally* climbed into the storage locker. How are you hungry? You're like a black hole with a straw hat."
She sat up so fast her hat flew off, sailing through the air and landing squarely on Zoro's face where he lounged against the mast, his three swords propped beside him like loyal guards. "Half the pantry was barely a warmup! I'm a growing pirate captain—I need *fuel*! Meat! Piles of meat! And maybe some bread! And dessert!" She rubbed her belly in exaggerated circles, making pitiful whining sounds that could've melted the heart of a Marine admiral—well, maybe not, but close.
Zoro grunted, shaking the hat off his face and tossing it back to her with a lazy flick of his wrist. "Just inflate yourself with air. You're full of hot wind anyway." He resumed sharpening one of his blades, the rhythmic *scrape* of whetstone on steel a steady counterpoint to Lucy's theatrics, his single open eye glinting with mild amusement beneath his usual scowl.
"Shut up, moss-head! Your brain's so green, you probably think photosynthesis is a workout!" Lucy shot back, catching her hat mid-air and jamming it on her head at a crooked angle. She stretched her arm out like a whip, snagging a leftover apple from Usopp's pocket and munching it noisily, juice dribbling down her chin. "See? Snacks! Why didn't you think of that, Zoro? Oh wait, you were too busy napping like a lazy fern!"
Usopp, who had been tinkering with his slingshot nearby, yelped as the apple vanished from his vest. "Hey! That was my emergency ration! For… uh… emergencies! Like fending off Sea Kings or… or scurvy!" He patted his pockets frantically, as if more fruit might magically appear.
Johnny and Yosaku, our newfound bounty hunter tagalongs, burst out laughing from their spot near the stern, where they'd been lounging with a pile of oranges Nami had forced on them to ward off any lingering scurvy. Johnny slapped his knee, his two swords clinking on his back as he struck a dramatic pose. "Hah! She got you good, Usopp! And Zoro-aniki, you gotta admit—Lucy's got a point. You nap more than a cat in a sunbeam! But seriously, bro, wait till we hit Baratie. That place'll blow her mind with food—steaks so juicy they punch you in the mouth!"
Yosaku nodded vigorously, his mouth full of orange pulp, juice dribbling onto his shirt. "Yeah… yeah! Legendary grub, bro! I heard the cooks sing while they cook—or maybe the food sings? Or was that a fever dream from the scurvy? Anyway, it's paradise! Free samples for heroes like us!" He raised his half-eaten orange like a toast, grinning ear to ear.
Usopp perked up, adjusting his goggles with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "Singing food? That sounds *way* too suspicious. What if it's a trap? Poisoned melodies luring us to our doom? Or exploding kitchens adding 'boom' to the flavor? I've read about this—siren chefs who hypnotize you with soup!"
Nami rolled her eyes from her navigation table, folding her latest map with a precise *snap* that cut through the noise. "It's a restaurant, not a myth, Usopp. And if there's poison, Lucy'll eat it first and bounce back like nothing happened. Probably call it 'spicy' and ask for seconds." She sauntered over to me at the railing, her orange hair catching the sunlight like a burst of flame, and leaned against my side, her shoulder brushing mine in that casual, intimate way that always sent a quiet spark through me. "Besides, we need supplies—and maybe a chef or two. Right, Sunny? Our 'eternal pantry' is great, thanks to… whoever set that up—" she shot me a knowing glance, aware of RBG's shadowy influence "—but some variety would be nice."
I wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer, enjoying the way she fit against me like a puzzle piece slotting into place. "Yeah. Two chefs, at least. One for regular meals, one to keep up with Lucy's black hole of a stomach." Nami laughed softly, her head tilting against my shoulder, and I felt that familiar warmth bloom in my chest, grounding me amid the crew's madness. I leaned down, brushing a light kiss against her temple, murmuring, "And if the food's as good as they say, maybe we can sneak off for a private dinner. Just you and me, no interruptions, no rubber gluttons stealing the plates."
She blushed faintly, nudging me with her elbow but not pulling away, her fingers intertwining with mine. "Smooth talker. Don't jinx it—chaos is our middle name. Though… a quiet moment sounds nice. Maybe under the stars, with some of that wine they're boasting about." Her voice was teasing, but her eyes held a soft promise that made my heart skip.
Johnny whistled from the stern. "Oi, get a room, you two! We're here for food, not romance novels!"
Yosaku chuckled, fanning himself with an orange peel. "Yeah… hot stuff, bro. Makes me miss that barmaid in Loguetown."
Usopp fake-gagged, clutching his chest. "Gross! Save it for after I eat—or never! I don't need to see Sunny and Nami making goo-goo eyes while I'm trying to digest!"
Zoro just grunted, not looking up from his sword. "As long as it doesn't delay the sake, I don't care."
{ego}: Oi, focus up, lover boy. You're getting all mushy again. That restaurant's probably a powder keg waiting to blow—don't let the heart eyes blind you to the trouble brewing.
I ignored the internal commentary, savoring the moment as we drew closer to the Baratie. Usopp's shout from the crow's nest snapped me back to reality. "It's right there! Look at that thing—shaped like a giant fish with a mustache! Or… maybe a beard? Either way, it's fancy!" He pointed dramatically, nearly toppling out of the nest in his excitement.
I followed his gaze, my Observation Haki stretching out like invisible tendrils across the waves. The Baratie loomed on the horizon, a marvel of maritime engineering—a sleek, elegant vessel shaped like a massive fish, its mouth wide open as if ready to swallow guests whole. Bright sails fluttered, marked with a giant fork and knife crossed like pirate flags, and the faint sounds of clanging pots, sizzling pans, and lively chatter carried over the water. The hull was painted in vibrant blues and whites, with intricate details mimicking scales, and the open mouth served as the grand entrance, complete with a red carpet "tongue" rolling out to the dock like a welcoming mat. The scent of garlic, roasted herbs, fresh-baked bread, and caramelized fruit hit us like a wave, making my stomach rumble despite my earlier meal.
"The Baratie," I murmured, a grin spreading across my face. "The floating restaurant. Looks like we're in for a treat—or a disaster."
Lucy bounded to the railing beside me, her eyes sparkling like she'd just spotted a mountain of treasure—except for her, treasure was edible. "Food… endless food… cooked by real chefs! Not just Sunny's soup and fish!" She rubbed her hands together gleefully, practically vibrating with excitement.
"Oi," I deadpanned, flicking her forehead lightly. "My cooking's not that bad. You devoured three helpings this morning without complaint."
She grinned, unfazed, her rubbery cheek bouncing back from the flick. "It's edible. That's about it. But real chefs? With fancy sauces and piles of meat? This is gonna be *heaven*!" She stretched her arms wide, nearly knocking Usopp off the deck as he scrambled down from the crow's nest.
Nami smirked, her arm still linked with mine. "Honestly, Lucy, you eat more than the rest of us combined. It's a miracle Sunny's cooking has lasted this long with you raiding the pantry every five minutes."
Lucy puffed her cheeks, crossing her arms. "Don't bully me! I'm a growing girl! Future Pirate Queen needs fuel!"
"A bottomless pit is more like it," Zoro muttered, not even opening his eye as he continued sharpening his blade, the *scrape-scrape* punctuating his words.
Johnny laughed, slapping Yosaku's back. "She's got spirit, bro! Baratie's gonna need a bigger kitchen!"
Yosaku nodded, peeling another orange. "Yeah… hope they've got enough meat to keep her from eating the tables."
We docked smoothly, the Merry bumping gently against the floating platform, her hull creaking in what felt like approval, as if she was excited for the culinary adventure too. Lucy was the first off, bounding down the gangplank with zero caution, her straw hat flopping wildly. "Food paradise! I smell meat! And pasta! And—*everything*! Charge!" She nearly tripped over her own feet in her enthusiasm, arms flailing like windmills.
Johnny and Yosaku followed, high-fiving mid-stride. "Time to eat like kings, bro!" Johnny pumped his fist, his swords clinking. "Zoro-aniki, bet I can out-eat you on the steaks!"
Zoro snorted, ambling down with his usual nonchalance. "You'd lose. Badly. But if there's sake, I'm in."
Usopp hung back, whispering to me nervously, "Sunny, you sure this is safe? Floating restaurants sound like a setup for… I don't know, exploding kitchens or singing sirens? What if the food fights back? I've read about cursed dishes that possess you!"
I clapped him on the shoulder, chuckling. "Relax. If it explodes, Lucy'll eat the flames and call them spicy. And if sirens show up, Nami'll probably swindle them out of their treasure first."
Nami linked her arm with mine as we stepped off, her touch grounding amid the excitement. "Let's hope for good food and no drama. Though with this crew… fat chance." She leaned up, brushing a quick kiss against my cheek, her lips warm and teasing. "But stick close. I might need my hero if things go south."
I grinned, pulling her closer. "Always. Though I'm betting you'll handle the trouble before I do."
The next thing I knew, we were stepping through the massive fish-mouth doors into the Baratie's bustling interior. The place was a marvel—polished wooden floors gleaming under ornate chandeliers that cast a warm, golden glow, tables draped in crisp white cloths adorned with fresh flowers in crystal vases, and the air thick with the symphony of sizzling pans, clinking glasses, and lively chatter. Patrons filled the space: rough sailors nursing frothy ales, merchants in fine coats negotiating deals over steaming plates, and a few shady figures in cloaks who looked like they'd seen better days—or worse nights, possibly spent dodging Marines. The kitchen was visible through a wide, open window, a whirlwind of flames, flying knives, and shouting chefs in crisp white uniforms, orchestrated chaos that somehow produced culinary magic. The scents hit us like a tidal wave: garlic butter, roasted lamb, fresh basil, and the sweet tang of caramelized peaches, all blending into an irresistible siren call.
Before we could even find a table, the kitchen doors burst open with theatrical flair, slamming against the walls like the opening act of a play. And there he was—blond hair swept to one side in a stylish wave, impeccably tailored black suit hugging his lean frame, a cigarette dangling loosely from his lips, exhaling a curl of smoke that added to his aura of effortless, almost comical cool. His visible eye—sharp, blue, and intense—scanned the room like a predator seeking prey, and it locked onto Nami like a heat-seeking missile, hearts practically exploding in his gaze.
Sanji.
He bowed low, sweeping an arm out in a gesture of pure chivalry, his voice smooth as silk and laced with over-the-top passion. "Welcome, my goddess! The most radiant jewel this sea has ever seen, a vision of beauty that outshines the stars, the moon, the sun—nay, the entire cosmos! The Baratie is honored, *blessed* by your presence. Please, allow me to cook for you—free of charge, of course! Anything your heart desires, I shall create with my own hands, poured from the depths of my soul!" His words dripped with fervor, his cigarette wobbling as he clutched his chest dramatically.
Nami blinked, clearly caught off guard, her cheeks tinting a light pink as she adjusted her hair self-consciously. "Uh… free? Really? That's… generous. But we're a group—" She gestured to the rest of us, trying to deflect the spotlight.
Before she could finish, Sanji's head whipped around like he'd been struck by lightning, and his jaw nearly hit the deck when he spotted Lucy. Hearts exploded in his pupils like fireworks on a festival night, his cigarette wobbling precariously as he clutched his chest again. "A second goddess descended upon me?! Be still, my beating heart! Such youthful energy, such vibrant spirit, a firecracker of joy that lights up the dreary seas! Of course, of course! You may have anything your heart desires—for free, forever! The heavens have blessed me twice today—nay, a thousand times!"
Lucy clasped her hands together, her eyes glistening with exaggerated tears of joy as she bounced on her toes like a kid in a candy store. "Really?! Anything? You're the best, Curly-Brow! I'll take one of everything—thrice! Meat, pasta, desserts—pile it high!" She threw her arms out, nearly knocking over a waiter who was balancing a tray of wine glasses.
Johnny and Yosaku stared, mouths agape like fish out of water. "Bro… he's simping harder than that time we met those mermaids in the shallows," Johnny whispered, elbowing Yosaku.
Yosaku nodded, still chewing an orange. "Yeah… but mermaids didn't eat like Lucy. This guy's doomed. His heart's gonna break before his wallet does."
Usopp leaned in close to me, whispering frantically, "Is this guy for real? He's acting like he's never seen girls before! What if it's a trap? Free food leading to… I don't know, indentured dishwashing for life? I've read about this—chefs who chain you to the sink!"
Zoro crossed his arms, smirking faintly as he eyed Sanji. "Pathetic. But if it means free booze and food, I'm not complaining. Lead the way, lover boy."
I rubbed my forehead, already sensing the impending disaster as Sanji ushered Nami and Lucy to the finest corner table with an ocean view, treating them like visiting royalty. He pulled out chairs with flourish, adjusted napkins like they were silk scarves, and even lit a candle for ambiance despite it being broad daylight. "This idiot's gonna bankrupt himself before we even order a single beli," I muttered to Nami as I followed, the rest of the crew trailing behind. "And with Lucy involved? The whole place might go under in an hour."
Nami shot me a playful glance over her shoulder as she sat, her smile teasing and full of mischief. "Jealous, Sunny? Don't worry—I'll save some attention for you later. Maybe even share my 'free' dessert if you're lucky." She winked, her fingers brushing mine as I took the seat beside her, sending that familiar spark up my arm.
I grinned back, leaning in close enough that our noses nearly touched. "Not even a little jealous. He can simp all he wants—you're mine." I stole a quick kiss, light and lingering, tasting the faint sweetness of her lip gloss mixed with the salt air. She blushed deeper, her hand squeezing my thigh under the table in response, a secret touch that made the chaos around us fade.
"Possessive much?" she teased, her voice a whisper, but her eyes sparkled with affection. "I like it. Keeps things exciting."
Johnny whistled from his seat at a nearby booth, where he and Yosaku had crammed in with Usopp and Zoro. "Get a room, you two! We're here for food, not romance novels!"
Yosaku chuckled, fanning himself with an orange peel. "Yeah… hot stuff, bro. Makes me miss that barmaid in that town who winked at me once."
Usopp fake-gagged, clutching his chest. "Gross! Save it for after I eat—or never! I don't need to see Sunny and Nami making goo-goo eyes while I'm trying to digest!"
Zoro just grunted, not looking up from his sake bottle. "As long as it doesn't delay the food, I don't care."
The ordering began in earnest, and that's when the real comedy kicked off. Lucy slammed her hand on the table so hard the silverware jumped, her voice booming like a captain's command. "I'll take everything on the left side of the menu! No—everything! Starters, mains, sides—pile it on! And extra meat! Lots of extra meat! And bread! And sauces!" Her eyes gleamed like she was envisioning a mountain of food tall enough to climb.
Nami smirked, flipping through the menu with elegant poise, her finger tracing the pages as if calculating a heist. "Then I'll take everything on the right. And don't forget the specials, Sanji dear. Oh, and a bottle of your finest wine—something sweet, to match the company." She batted her eyelashes for effect, and Sanji nearly melted into a puddle on the spot.
Sanji clutched his heart, tears welling in his eyes as he swayed dramatically. "Yes! Yes, my queens! The most exquisite dishes, prepared with love and fire! As you command, I shall serve it all—your wish is my eternal vow! For such beauty, the stars themselves would weep!" He spun on his heel, dashing to the kitchen with hearts trailing in his wake like cartoon effects, shouting orders as he went. "You heard the goddesses! Full menu—thrice! Move, you lazy bastards! Chop the lamb, boil the pasta, fire the ovens!"
Johnny whistled low, spearing a breadstick from a basket. "That guy's got it bad. Worse than when I fell for that barmaid who stole my wallet."
Yosaku nodded, munching his own breadstick. "Yeah… but she didn't eat half the bar. Lucy's a legend. This place is toast."
The first wave arrived like a tidal wave—steaming platters of roast beef carved to perfection, the edges caramelized and dripping with juices; garlic prawns sizzling in buttery sauce that glistened under the chandelier light; creamy pastas twisted with fresh basil and parmesan; and vibrant salads dotted with exotic fruits like mangoes and starfruit. The aromas hit us like a punch: rich, savory, and utterly irresistible. Waiters staggered under the weight, stacking dishes on Lucy and Nami's table until it groaned in protest, the wood creaking ominously.
Lucy dove in like a whirlwind, her arms stretching to snag food from multiple plates at once, forks and spoons flying as she shoveled bites into her mouth. Nom nom nom! This beef's like butter! Melts in my mouth! And the prawns—crunchy heaven! Sanji, you're a genius!" She cracked a lobster claw with her bare hands, splattering sauce across the table, some of it landing on Usopp's goggles.
"Hey! Watch it! I'm not a napkin!" Usopp yelped, wiping his face frantically with a napkin, only to smear sauce further.
Sanji hovered nearby, stars in his eyes as he refilled Lucy's water glass before it was even half-empty. "Ah, to see such joy on your face, my flame-haired muse! More? Of course more! The kitchen lives to serve you!" He spun away, shouting to the kitchen, "More prawns! Double the beef! Hurry, for love!"
Nami took a delicate bite of her pasta, savoring it with a contented sigh, her eyes fluttering closed for a moment. "This is divine. Sanji, you've outdone yourself." She glanced at me, offering a forkful with a playful smile. "Try this, Sunny. It's almost as good as your company."
I leaned in, taking the bite from her fork, our eyes locking in that intimate moment as the creamy sauce hit my tongue—rich, perfectly balanced, with a hint of lemon zest. "Not bad," I murmured, my voice low. "But nothing beats your smile." I stole another quick kiss, this one lingering just a second longer, tasting the faint sweetness of her wine. She blushed deeper, her hand finding my knee under the table, her fingers tracing lazy circles that sent warmth spreading through me.
Johnny cheered from the booth. "Get it, Sunny! Show that cook who's boss!"
Yosaku fanned himself. "Too much heat, bro. I need another orange."
Usopp fake-gagged again. "Stop it! I'm trying to eat here!"
Zoro, already halfway through a steak, snorted. "Let 'em flirt. Means more food for us."
The kitchen crew's faces paled as the orders kept pouring in, their voices rising in panic from the pass-through window. "Sanji! We're out of beef already!" one cook yelled, his apron stained with sauce and flour, his hair disheveled like he'd been through a war.
"Then use the lamb! Improvise! Knead dough with your bare hands if you have to—for love!" Sanji barked back, sweat beading on his brow as he flipped pans like a mad conductor, flames leaping around him in a fiery ballet.
Johnny and Yosaku dug in with gusto, Johnny spearing a prawn with his fork. "This beats bar food any day! Zoro-aniki, you gotta try the garlic stuff—it's like punching flavor in the face!"
Zoro grunted, chewing methodically. "Not bad. But the sake's better."
Yosaku nodded, tears in his eyes as he bit into a bread roll. "I'm alive… truly alive… thanks to these goddesses and their free food deal!"
The second wave hit—lobsters cracked open with butter dripping down their shells, risottos creamy and aromatic with truffle shavings, grilled fish flaked to perfection with lemon zest and capers. Patrons at nearby tables stared, whispering in awe. "That girl's a machine!" one sailor muttered, pointing at Lucy. "She's eaten more than my whole crew in a week!"
Lucy belched loudly, the sound echoing like thunder, rattling the chandeliers and drawing gasps from the refined diners. "Excuse me! Hehe, more room now! Sanji, hit me with round three!" She stretched her arm across the table, snagging a whole lobster and biting into it like an apple, shell and all.
Sanji swooned against the table, stars in his eyes. "Such passion! Such fire! Yes, my queen, more is coming!" He dashed back to the kitchen, shouting, "Triple the portions! For love!"
Nami laughed, sipping her wine with elegant poise, her free hand still resting on my knee. "Lucy, you're a force of nature. But save some for the rest of us, or I'll start charging you rent for that stomach."
The third wave arrived—exotic fruits like dragonfruit and starfruit piled high, charcuterie boards with cured meats and cheeses, steaming soups simmering with fragrant herbs like rosemary and thyme. Lucy's table was a battlefield of empty plates, crumbs flying as she shoveled food in, her belly bulging comically but her spirit unbroken. "This soup's like liquid gold! And the fruits—*爆*! So sweet!" She tossed a starfruit slice into the air and caught it in her mouth, grinning.
Johnny cheered, raising a glass of water. "Go, Lucy! Eat for the bounty hunters! Show 'em how it's done!"
Yosaku hummed a tune, content with his orange juice. "Inspiring… poetic, even. Like a ballad of gluttony."
Usopp wailed, ducking as a stray prawn shell flew past his head. "She's gonna explode! Or bankrupt this place! Or both!"
Zoro chuckled, pouring himself more sake. "Wishful thinking. She's a monster."
The kitchen meltdown escalated, the cooks' shouts growing frantic. "Sanji, we're running low on everything!" a cook cried, his face red as he leaned out the window, flour dusting his hair like snow.
"Make more! For love!" Sanji roared, his suit now stained with flour, sauce, and what looked like a smear of chocolate, his cigarette trembling as he juggled pans.
Zeff, the grizzled owner with his peg leg and braided mustache, stomped out from the back, his thumping steps like thunder on the wooden floor. He surveyed the disaster—Lucy's towering pile of plates, the waiters panting against the walls, Sanji spinning like a lovesick tornado. "Boy… what in the blue hell is going on here?" His mustache twitched, his voice a low growl.
Sanji bowed dramatically, nearly dropping his cigarette. "Old man! These goddesses deserve the world! Every dish, every flavor—my heart demands it!"
Zeff facepalmed, his hand smacking his forehead with a resounding *thwack*. "You're killing us, you idiot. This ain't a charity."
Lucy, mid-bite, waved cheerfully with a drumstick in hand. "Hi, mustache man! Want some? It's yummy! You should try the soup—it's like drinking a hug!"
Zeff sighed, shaking his head. "Kids these days…"
The fourth wave arrived—pastries stuffed with cream and berries, steaks seared to perfection, seafood towers with oysters, clams, and shrimp piled high. Diners at other tables began applauding Lucy like she was a performer in a circus, one sailor shouting, "Go, girl! Finish that lobster!" Another tossed a coin her way, which she caught with a stretchy arm and tucked into her hat, grinning.
The fifth wave was dessert—a sugary fortress of cakes layered with chocolate and fruit, puddings wobbling like jellyfish, and fruit tarts glistening with glaze. Sanji wheeled it out himself, his tie loose, face flushed, cigarette trembling as he collapsed to one knee before the table. "Darlings… this… is… for you…" His voice was a reverent whisper, hearts practically floating around him.
Lucy clapped, her hands leaving crumbs everywhere. "Sanji, you're amazing! Hahaha! This cake looks like a castle—I'm gonna conquer it!"
Nami smirked, sipping her wine with a mischievous glint. "I could get used to this. Keep up the good work, Sanji."
Sanji burst into joyful tears, clutching his heart. "To hear such words from angels themselves! I could die happy right now!"
"Not before seconds!" Lucy shouted, diving into a chocolate cake face-first, frosting smearing her cheeks.
Usopp wailed, burying his face in his hands. "We're doomed! She's eating the restaurant out of business!"
Johnny laughed, slapping the table. "This is epic, bro! Lucy's a legend!"
Yosaku hummed, sipping juice. "Poetry in motion… a feast for the ages."
Zoro chuckled, low and amused. "Best show I've seen all week."
I groaned, rubbing my temple. "This idiot's love-struck brain is gonna sink the place."
That's when Zeff marched over, waving a bill so long it unrolled like a scroll, fluttering to the floor. "BILL!" he roared, his voice shaking the chandeliers.
I glanced at the numbers—enough to buy a small fleet or bribe a Marine admiral. "…This could fund a war."
Usopp screamed, clutching his head. "WE'RE RUINED! LUCY BANKRUPTED US ALL!"
Lucy burped, a sound that echoed like a cannon shot. "Hey! I didn't eat *that* much—" She paused, looking at the tower of plates, then grinned. "Okay, maybe I did. Worth it!"
Zoro snorted, leaning back. "Those plates could bury a man alive."
Nami, ever the opportunist, leaned her chin on her palm and gave Zeff the sweetest smile I'd ever seen, her eyes sparkling with calculated innocence. "Oh, Sanji~ You promised us free food, remember? For your 'goddesses'?"
The cooks exploded in outrage, their voices a cacophony of panic.
"Free?!"
"Do you see what they ate?!"
"That girl just devoured two whole restaurant combined!"
"They cleaned out the pantry!"
One cook grabbed a frying pan, gripping it like a weapon, his eyes wild. Another looked ready to faint, clutching a spatula like a lifeline.
Sanji fell to his knees before Nami and Lucy, clasping his hands dramatically. "It's true! My darlings are not to blame! This bill… this crippling debt… I shall shoulder it all myself, for love!"
The cooks shouted in unison. "You'll ruin the restaurant!"
"Do you want Zeff to kill us all?!"
Zeff sighed, his mustache twitching. "Idiot boy. You're gonna be scrubbing pots till you're my age."
The sea was calm when it happened.
Too calm.
I was still watching Lucy argue with Usopp over whether she could fit "one more snack" in her belly when a shadow crept across the waves outside Baratie's windows. The air shifted, the lively chatter in the dining hall dying down as if the room itself held its breath. My Observation Haki prickled, a warning ripple that made the hairs on my neck stand up.
"…What the hell is that?" Zoro muttered, rising from his seat, his hand resting on his swords.
Out of the mist, a massive, battered ship dragged itself across the water like a corpse clawing its way from a grave. Its sails were shredded, hanging in tattered strips like ghostly rags, the mast half-splintered, and the hull riddled with holes as if it had been chewed by a Sea King. It looked like it had crawled back from hell itself.
Even Lucy paused mid-bite, her cheeks stuffed with cake, pointing with a frosting-covered finger. "Oiii… spooky ghost ship? Cool!"
Nami's eyes narrowed, her hand tightening on my arm. "No… that's no ghost. That's a pirate ship."
I closed my eyes for a second, letting my Haki stretch over the waves. The aura that hit me was faint but poisonous—twisted pride and desperation tangled together like barbed wire. "Don Krieg," I muttered, my voice low.
The ship scraped against Baratie's dock with a screech of tortured wood, the sound grating like nails on a chalkboard. A man stumbled off, half-starved, his once-gleaming armor dull and cracked, clanking with every step. But even in his pathetic state, his aura was heavy, oppressive, like a storm cloud waiting to burst.
"Food…" Krieg rasped, collapsing to his knees on the dock, his voice hoarse but commanding. "Give me… food…"
The cooks stared in shock, their faces paling. The head chef whispered, barely audible, "That's Don Krieg… the pirate admiral who commands fifty ships…"
Usopp squeaked, diving under the nearest table with a thud. "F-f-fifty ships?! We're dead! DEAD!"
Lucy tilted her head, unconcerned, licking frosting off her fingers. "Fifty? That's not so bad. I could punch fifty ships. Maybe sixty if they're small."
"Stop talking like that's normal!" Nami hissed, her eyes darting between Krieg and the restaurant doors.
Johnny and Yosaku froze, their breadsticks halfway to their mouths. "Bro… that's *Krieg*," Johnny whispered, his voice trembling. "We hunted his lackeys once… nearly died."
Yosaku nodded, clutching his orange. "Yeah… bad vibes, bro. Real bad."
Sanji stepped forward, cigarette smoke curling from his lips like a dragon's breath. His voice was calm, but his jaw was tight, his hands clenched at his sides. "A starving man comes begging for food. Doesn't matter who he is—I'll feed him."
The cooks exploded in panic, their voices overlapping in a frantic cacophony.
"Sanji, are you insane?!"
"That's Krieg! He'll destroy us the moment he recovers!"
"We should throw him back into the sea!"
But Sanji didn't waver. He grabbed a tray from a trembling waiter, piling it with fresh bread and a steaming bowl of stew, and marched straight past the terrified staff, kneeling beside Krieg on the dock. "Eat," he said simply, placing the tray in front of the pirate.
Krieg devoured it like a beast, tearing into the bread and slurping the stew, food vanishing into his mouth as if he hadn't eaten in weeks. The silence in the dining hall was deafening, broken only by his chewing and the pounding of waves outside.
I stayed still, my eyes fixed on him, my Haki tracking every shift in his aura. {ego} murmured coldly in the back of my mind.
{ego}: Pathetic. Starved like a dog, yet he once ruled the seas with an iron fist. You should kill him now, Master, before he regains strength. One strike, and it's over.
[system]: Fufu~ but isn't it thrilling? Watching predators crawl on their knees? ♥ Let's savor their fear a little longer, Master.
I ignored them both, my gaze never leaving Krieg. Not yet.
When the last scrap was gone, Krieg staggered to his feet, his armor clanking. For a moment, he looked like a man humbled, his eyes downcast, his breathing heavy.
Then he smiled—a cruel, sharp, poisonous grin that sent a chill through the room. "…Thank you for the meal," he drawled, his voice regaining its strength, dripping with menace. "Now… I'll be taking this restaurant."
The dining hall erupted in chaos, patrons gasping, cooks shouting, and waiters dropping trays in a clatter of metal and glass.
"WHAT?!"
"He tricked us!"
"Kill him now before his crew arrives!"
Sanji's fist clenched, trembling with fury, his cigarette nearly falling. "You bastard…"
Lucy stood up, her chair crashing back with a thud, her grin wide and fearless. "Oi, armor-face. You just made a *big* mistake."
Zoro cracked his neck, his hand falling to his swords, a rare glint of excitement in his eyes. "Finally. Something interesting."
Johnny and Yosaku scrambled to their feet, drawing their swords. "Bro, we gotta fight!" Johnny said, though his voice wavered. "Zoro-aniki, you with us?"
Yosaku nodded, gripping his blade. "Yeah… for the food! And the goddesses!"
Usopp whimpered from under the table. "Why does this always happen to us?!"
I leaned back against the wall, arms crossed, my gaze locked on Krieg. The storm was here.
Fine.
Let it come.
The atmosphere in Baratie flipped like a storm wind. One second, the restaurant buzzed with nervous whispers, the next, pure chaos. Cooks shouted, brandishing kitchen utensils like weapons—one waved a frying pan like a battle-axe, another clutched a rolling pin as if it could fend off a pirate admiral.
"Oi, oi, oi! He tricked us!" one cook bellowed, his face red with fury.
"We told you not to feed him, Sanji!" another screamed, shaking a ladle.
Sanji didn't answer, his fists shaking, eyes blazing with a mix of betrayal and resolve, but he held his ground, standing protectively in front of the kitchen doors.
Krieg grinned wider, wiping stew from his lips with the back of his gauntlet, his armor glinting dully under the chandeliers. "A fine establishment. Strong walls, stocked pantry, strategic location… yes, this will do nicely for my new flagship."
The doors slammed open with a bang, and more pirates staggered in, ragged and bloodied but carrying weapons—swords, pistols, and crude clubs. They were like shadows crawling back from the grave, their eyes hollow but burning with desperation. At the front was a tall man with long hair tied back, shackles dangling from his wrists—Gin. His aura burned faint but sharp, like a blade honed to a deadly edge despite his weakened state.
"Captain…" Gin rasped, his voice hoarse but loyal, his eyes fixed on Krieg. "You… made it…"
"Of course I did, Gin," Krieg said smoothly, throwing his arms wide, his armor clanking like a war drum. "And now… we'll rise again. On the corpses of these fools."
Lucy bounced beside me, laughing as if she'd just been invited to a party. "Oi, armor-face! Corpses? You mean yours? This is gonna be fun!" She cracked her knuckles, her grin ear-to-ear.
Usopp's muffled voice came from under the table. "Fun?! He commands fifty ships! We're gonna die!"
Lucy crouched and yanked Usopp out by the collar like a kitten, her grin never fading. "Oi, scaredy-nose. If you're gonna faint, at least do it dramatically. Like, with a pose!" She struck a pose herself, one arm stretched skyward.
Johnny and Yosaku gripped their swords tighter. "Bro, we're in it now!" Johnny said, his voice shaking but determined. "Zoro-aniki, you lead, we follow!"
Yosaku nodded. "Yeah… for the food! And the goddesses! And… not dying!"
Nami's hand tightened on my arm, her eyes cold as she watched Krieg. "Sunny… he's trouble. Big trouble."
I nodded, sipping my tea calmly, my Haki still tracking every movement. "I know. Let him make the first move."
Sanji stepped forward, his cigarette smoke curling like a dragon's breath. "Fine. If you want this restaurant… you'll have to go through me first."
Krieg laughed, spreading his arms wide, his armor clanking. "Then come, little cook. And watch your friends die alongside you."
I set my cup down with a quiet *clink*, the sound cutting through the tension. "…Krieg," I said softly, my voice low but carrying an edge that made the air heavier. "You should've stayed on your knees."
His head snapped toward me, arrogance blazing in his eyes. "And who the hell are you supposed to be?"
Lucy bounced beside me, laughing. "He's Sunny! My crewmate! Strongest guy ever! Also lazy as hell and my lo... What am I saying again, oh you're in luck—he might let you live for, like, five minutes!"
"Oi," I muttered, giving her a side-eye.
She grinned wider, sticking out her tongue.
The tension was a taut wire now, ready to snap. Sanji spat smoke, glaring at Krieg. "This is it! I'll protect Baratie and every woman in it!"
Lucy bounced on her heels, practically vibrating with excitement. "Go, go, go! Smash him, Sanji! Smash the scary man!"
Usopp whimpered, clutching his slingshot. "I don't… I don't like this! They've got armor AND muscles! And guns!"
Johnny and Yosaku stood shoulder-to-shoulder, swords drawn. "We got this, bro!" Johnny said, though his knees shook slightly.
I stayed seated, calm as still water, my Haki brushing across the room like a faint breeze—enough to make the pirates hesitate, their eyes darting nervously. {ego} murmured again.
{ego}: Cowards and fools. They expect you to intervene. Kill them all now and save the trouble. One sweep, Master, and they're dust.
[system]: Fufu~ but it's fun watching them squirm first. Master's patience is scary and beautiful at the same time ♥. Observe, tease, and only act when necessary.
I ignored them, my eyes locked on Krieg. The rhythm of the chaos was clear—a pattern forming, waiting for the perfect moment.
Sanji lunged, his combat style exploding into the room: kicks, flips, and sweeping legs that sent pots and pans flying in every direction. A chair skidded across the floor, crashing into Krieg, who swatted it aside like a fly, his laugh echoing metallically. "Amusing. I'll crush you faster than that little pastry pan."
Lucy jumped onto a counter, cheering like a one-woman audience. "Do it, Sanji! DO IT! Pretend you're my hero!"
Usopp screamed, ducking under a swinging ladle. "This is a BAD idea! I'm NOT part of this!"
Zoro sighed, hand on his sword hilt. "This crew is insane…"
Johnny and Yosaku charged, swinging their swords at the lesser pirates, who parried clumsily. "For the food!" Johnny yelled, slashing wildly.
"Yeah… and the goddesses!" Yosaku added, tripping over a spilled bowl of soup but recovering with a spin.
I noticed the pirates stumbling in the chaotic environment—pots, pans, spilled soup, and sheer panic made Krieg's strikes less precise. Sanji's kicks were relentless, each one a blur of motion, his legs like pistons as he targeted Krieg's armored chest.
Lucy leaned too far and nearly fell into a vat of soup,.catching herself with a stretchy arm. "OOH! I'm a reporter! Or a cheerleader! Or BOTH!"
Nami whispered, her hand still on my arm. "Sunny… watch and wait. Let him act first."
I nodded, sipping my tea, my smirk faint but growing. There's a rhythm here. And when the moment comes…
Sanji executed a high-flying kick that sent Krieg stumbling into the wall, smoke from the kitchen fires curling around them. Lucy clapped, jumping up and down. "See?! I told you! Sanji can do it!"
Johnny cheered, parrying a pirate's club. "That's it, cook guy! Kick his metal butt!"
Yosaku tripped again, landing in a pile of bread rolls. "Poetic… painful… but poetic!"
Usopp squeaked, hiding behind a pillar. "Please don't die…"
I leaned on the counter, fingers drumming lightly. My Haki detected every tremor in Krieg's stance. He's strong… but reckless. An opening is forming.
Sanji spun again, narrowly dodging a blow that would've sent him into the fryer. "These idiots think they can take Baratie? Hah! My legs are faster than their wits!"
Lucy cheered, pounding the counter. "Faster! Show them faster! That's my favorite!"
Nami's eyes flickered to me. "Sunny… now."
I didn't need another signal.
Standing upright, I let my Haki ripple gently, just enough to make Krieg pause mid-step, his eyes widening at the subtle pressure. Not deadly—not yet—but enough to remind him who truly dominated this room.
Krieg faltered, muttering under his breath. "Impossible… this presence…"
Lucy clapped gleefully, bouncing like a rubber ball. "Ooooh! You're showing up now! GO MASTER GO!"
Sanji grinned at me, breathless but triumphant, his cigarette dangling precariously. "Ah… you are here. Finally. Show them who's boss."
Johnny and Yosaku froze mid-swing, staring at me. "Whoa, bro… he's got that vibe," Johnny whispered.
Yosaku nodded. "Yeah… scary vibe. Good scary."
I nodded faintly, a small smirk tugging at my lips.
"Relax," I said quietly, more to myself than anyone. "I'll handle the pirates… as promised."